Newspaper Clippings

PM: Fight off attempts to threaten unity

KUALA LUMPUR:Malaysians must continuously improve themselves and be ready to fight off threats to the unity and prosperity they now enjoy, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Speaking at the Merdeka countdown gathering at Dataran Merdeka here this morning, Abdullah said the Government and the people must adhere to the spirit of Rukunegara, which has so far ensured peace throughout the nation.

He reminded the gathering that the struggle to fulfil the objectives of independence had not yet ended and the people needed to continuously “value-add” on the successes already achieved.

“The struggle is for all Malaysians. We must ensure that no region or community is left behind. We will hold true to the concept of justice and fairness for all citizens,” he said in his speech that was constantly interspersed with the shouts of “Merdeka!” from him and the crowd, which also consisted of Barisan Nasional youth members.

One voice: Abdullah (centre) shouting Merdeka and joining him (from left) are his Barisan colleagues Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu and Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur this morning.

Reminding Malaysians that there was still much to do although the country was now 50 years old, Abdullah said the nation’s independence and rapid development were a joint effort by Malaysians of different races and at all levels.

He said the Government would always adhere to the power-sharing concept, which placed emphasis on consultation and consensus.